Top 10 Highest-Paid Goalkeepers In The World (2024)
This article delves into the 10 highest-earning goalkeepers globally in 2024. Among football players, who are notably some of the highest-paid athletes, wage disparities persist with forwards, midfielders, and wingers commanding the majority. Conversely, defenders and goalkeepers often find themselves at the lower end of the pay spectrum. However, a shift is occurring as clubs recognize the pivotal role top-tier goalkeepers play in securing victories and championships.
This recognition has led to the emergence of an elite class of goalkeepers whose earnings now rival or even surpass those of their teammates. In light of this evolving trend, we present an overview of the top 10 highest-paid goalkeepers worldwide.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Goalkeepers In The World (2024)
- Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) – £353,577
- Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) – £350,715
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) – £252,555
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) – £214,335
- Wojciech Szcz?sny – £202,717
- Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – £185,207
- Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) – £168,370
- Keylor Navas (Paris Saint-Germain) – £183,692
- Kepa Arrizabalaga (Real Madrid) – £151,533
- Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund) – £151,533
1. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) – £353,577
Securing the top spot as the highest-paid goalkeeper globally is Bayern Munich's veteran keeper, Manuel Neuer, with a remarkable weekly wage of £353,577. Despite his more seasoned years, Neuer remains a pivotal figure, contributing significantly to Bayern Munich's decade-long dominance in the Bundesliga.
Widely recognized as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Neuer's illustrious career is marked by exceptional performances, an impressive trophy collection, and a notable role in redefining the sweeper-keeper role in the modern game. Notably, he stands among the select few in football history who have achieved the rare feat of winning the treble twice.
2. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) – £350,715
Claiming the second spot among the highest-paid goalkeepers globally is Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid, boasting a weekly wage of £350,715. Revered as the Lionel Messi of goalkeepers, Oblak has consistently demonstrated his prowess for the La Liga club on the international stage.
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Since his move to Atletico Madrid, Oblak's remarkable performance includes stopping 636 of 819 shots faced in the Spanish top division, leading to four consecutive Zamora Trophies and La Liga Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Notably, he holds the record for the fastest century of clean sheets, achieving his 100th clean sheet after only 182 league games.
3. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) – £252,555
The 31-year-old Belgian, Thibaut Courtois, boasting a weekly wage of £252,555. Courtois, hailing from the Genk Academy, stands as one of the most decorated goalkeepers of his generation, traversing through the Belgian professional league, the English Premier League, and La Liga.
Known for his exceptional reflex saves, Courtois has evolved into one of the world's premier shot-stoppers. His illustrious career includes multiple triumphs in top-tier competitions, with victories in La Liga and the Premier League, along with European successes such as the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) – £214,335
Gianluigi Donnarumma, standout performer at Euro 2020, has not only ascended to become one of the best goalkeepers but also one of the highest-paid, earning a weekly wage of £214,335. His impressive Euro 2020 showing, coupled with his noteworthy stint at AC Milan, paved the way for a move to PSG after his contract with the San Siro concluded.
Despite his senior debut only in 2018, Donnarumma has showcased the potential to be one of the greatest goalkeepers in the sport's history. Beyond clinching the UEFA European Championship and the Supercoppa Italiana, his accomplishments include securing Ligue 1 titles twice and the Trophée des Champions in 2022.
5. Wojciech Szcz?sny – £202,717
Wojciech Szcz?sny, a Polish goalkeeper, commands a spot among the highest-paid goalkeepers globally, boasting a weekly wage of £202,717. His journey led him to Juventus in 2017, initially as a backup for Gianluigi Buffon, but by 2018, he had ascended to become the club's primary goalkeeper, largely due to Buffon's injury challenges that season.
Before donning the Juventus jersey, Szcz?sny spent a significant part of his career on the bench at Arsenal, later making notable stops at Roma before settling at Juventus. Over the course of his promising career, Szcz?sny has secured victories in prestigious competitions, including the FA Cup, FA Community Shield, Serie A on three occasions, Coppa Italia, and the Supercoppa Italiana.
6. Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – £185,207
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Edouard Mendy, the Senegalese and former Chelsea player, now commands a place among the highest-paid goalkeepers in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli, earning a weekly wage of £185,207. His move to Al-Ahli transpired towards the end of the 2022/23 season following several seasons of noteworthy performance.
During his tenure with Chelsea, Mendy achieved significant success, clinching the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Before donning the Chelsea colors, he contributed to various French football clubs including Cherbourg, Marseille, and Reims, where he secured the League 2 title in the French professional league.
7. Keylor Navas (Paris Saint-Germain) – £183,692
Once again representing PSG, Keylor Navas claims a spot on the list as the second-highest-paid goalkeeper in the world, commanding a weekly wage of £183,692. Remarkably, despite his secondary role as PSG's second goalkeeper, Navas holds the title of the highest-paid goalkeeper in Ligue One.
Before his stint with PSG, Navas contributed to various Spanish teams such as Albacete, Levante, and Real Madrid. His tenure at Real Madrid saw him clinch twelve titles, including a La Liga trophy and three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. Since joining PSG, Navas has added to his accolades, securing victories in Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and Trophée des Champions.
8. Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) – £168,370
Among the highest-paid goalkeepers globally is Yassine Bounou, a Moroccan professional footballer earning an impressive £168,370 per week. Bounou stands out as one of the notable players who transitioned from a top European league to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, showcasing his talents with Al Hilal.
Commencing his football journey in Morocco with Wydad AC, Bounou's career unfolded predominantly in Spain. Accumulating over 150 La Liga appearances for Girona and Sevilla, and more than 50 in the Segunda División for Zaragoza and Girona, he garnered acclaim. Bounou's achievements include securing two UEFA Europa League titles and Zamora Trophies during his tenure with Sevilla.
9. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Real Madrid) – £151,533
In a surprising inclusion, Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Spanish footballer and former Chelsea goalkeeper, secures a spot among the world's highest-paid goalkeepers, earning an impressive £151,533. Currently on loan with the prestigious Real Madrid, Kepa's form has been inconsistent in recent years.
Embarking on his senior club career with Athletic Bilbao, Kepa's trajectory took a notable turn in 2018 with a record-breaking football transfer to Chelsea, amounting to €80 million, an unprecedented sum for a goalkeeper. During his tenure at Chelsea, he clinched major titles including the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
10. Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund) – £151,533
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Securing the tenth spot on the list is Gregor Kobel from Borussia Dortmund, drawing a weekly salary of £151,533. Despite his relatively young career, Kobel has established himself as one of the premier goalkeepers globally, attaining the second-highest goalkeeper wage in the German league.
Kobel initiated his professional journey with 1899 Hoffenheim in 2018 but found his stride during a loan spell at VfB Stuttgart, eventually signing a permanent deal until June 2024. Notably, on May 31, 2021, Kobel penned a five-year contract with Borussia Dortmund, solidifying his reputation as one of the game's top shot-stoppers.
In conclusion, the realm of football showcases a dynamic landscape where goalkeepers, often overshadowed in wage distribution, have emerged as significant earners. The top 10 highest-paid goalkeepers in the world exemplify a diverse range of talents, experiences, and contributions. From veterans like Manuel Neuer, who has redefined goalkeeping, to rising stars like Edouard Mendy making waves in new leagues, each goalkeeper's journey unfolds uniquely. Their wages reflect not only financial recognition but also the growing appreciation for the indispensable role they play in securing victories. As football evolves, these goalkeepers stand as symbols of skill, dedication, and the changing dynamics of the beautiful game.
